Exploring the Psychological Benefits of Massage

Most people get a massage in order to relax, perhaps a pleasurable way to unwind after a long work week. Others go to address some physical discomfort or injury. Maybe your lower back aches from sitting too much in front of a computer. Massage can be a sumptuous delight that treats your body’s aches and pains.

But it can also be an effective choice of treatment for a number of psychological issues: depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity, and posttraumatic stress, to name a few. After a massage, we may find our spirits have been lifted, or that we’ve broadened our everyday perspectives. The opportunity is one for self-awareness.

The benefit of massage on mental health is not a surprise if we think about the connection between the mind and body. The body is a miraculous manifestation that gives us direct access to unknown parts of ourselves. The body revealed by posture, muscle contraction, and flexibility demonstrates the sort of armor we use to protect ourselves in a sometimes difficult world. For instance, an individual with depression might tense up or constrict the stomach or back in order to be less vulnerable to particular emotions.

The massage therapist is as much a student of the mind as they are of the body. The massage therapist bears witness to our mounting stresses and vulnerabilities, and helps unblock the passageways that allow us to fully breathe in life. They soothe feelings of angst that cause depression, and prevent us from connecting to our bodies and experiencing joy.

An observant massage therapist need only consult a client’s muscles to gain an understanding of their psychology. For instance, some individuals’ muscles may come across as more or less penetrable. A hardened collection of back muscles can serve as a force field, making it difficult to reach deeper layers of musculature. Such a force field is simultaneously physical and psychological. Psychologically, it may represent a general distrust or impermeability to others. Granted, such armor can be invaluable in adapting to threatening situations.

If the client is unaware of this “body armor,” the therapist has an opportunity to bring it to the their attention. With such awareness, the individual may choose to slowly “disarm” if they are carrying “unnecessary armor.” While massaging, the therapist may ask the client to “breathe into it,” which encourages the development of a deeper trust. Every point of contact on the body is an opportunity for self-awareness. Psychological healing occurs when we sink into the reality of our bodies.

Technological advances in communication can paradoxically leave many feeling more isolated and alone. When that happens, our life forces may dwindle. We communicate with greater numbers of people, especially online, but it may be less direct contact and interaction. The mind and body become estranged from physical and emotional stimulation. You may then experience feelings of dissociation, depression, or detachment. What is needed is a return to a nurturing touch, both physically and emotionally.

Depression can be seen as an estrangement from a caring world. The sense of being “held” in a massage awakens a feeling of being cared about, as the therapist’s focus is a kind of concentrated care for the client. Massage offers an opportunity for learning a different way of being. Your body may begin to realize that you don’t have to tense up so much when work gets stressful. If depression is the expectation that you will not receive the connection and nurture that you need, a massage can rattle the rigid sense of isolation. Rigidity then dissolves. It liquefies into the stream of life.

The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.

anna

April 2nd, 2013 at
6:59 AM

For me my weekly massages have always been so much more than just a way to relax. It almost feels like she is able to knead the stress from the week out of me that has built up from the week and this allows me to much better enjoy my weekend.

Anyone who says that the stress and pressure from work is not toxic is crazy. I do believe that all of this builds up inside of you and my therapist knows just what to do to release all of that get me back to a healthier starting point.

Hilary

April 2nd, 2013 at
1:18 PM

This article explains the body-mind connection very well. However, any massage therapist who has not been trained in body psychotherapy needs to avoid inviting the client to “disarm”, otherwise both of them may be overwhelmed by the powerful emotions which may come to the surface as a result.

rochelle

sayhealth

April 8th, 2013 at
4:41 PM

I have incorporated massage into my recovery from ptsd and eating disorders. I now consider my LMT part of my treatment team, and both the massage and the deep safety and trust that I have developed with my LMT have been so uniquely healing.

Rob

July 7th, 2014 at
11:02 AM

Just wanted to second what Hillary mentioned on cautions of inviting clients to “disarm” without some good training in body psychotherapy. Or at least have some levels of maturity and stability as a massage practitioner.

Luke Y

July 12th, 2016 at
7:06 AM

I have been feeling a little depressed lately, so this article was an excellent read. I do, as you said, sit in front of a computer almost all day for work. I never knew that a massage could take care of psychological issues such as PTSD and depression. I will try it out later this week and see if I find an improvement in my overall wellbeing.

Becca H.

September 8th, 2017 at
3:14 PM

You’re totally right that it makes more sense how massage can benefit your mental health once you consider the connection between the mind and body. I’ve got a lot of stress and sometimes that triggers my depression. I’m alway open to for trying new things that could help me when that happens.

Margaux F.

March 21st, 2018 at
11:06 PM

It’s great that you talked about the benefits of massage on mental health because depression might tense up or constrict the stomach or back in order to be less vulnerable to particular emotions.It’s good to know that massage therapy helps unblock the passageways that allow us to fully breathe in life. Thanks for mentioning that massage therapy also soothe feelings of angst that cause depression and prevent us from connecting to our bodies and experiencing joy. Thanks for the advice!

Notice to users

GoodTherapy.org is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, medical treatment, or therapy. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding any mental health symptom or medical condition. Never disregard professional psychological or medical advice nor delay in seeking professional advice or treatment because of something you have read on GoodTherapy.org.